Protest Held Outside Chinese Embassy in Berlin Against China’s New Ethnic Unity Law
Representatives of the Tibetan Community in Germany (Verein der Tibeter in Deutschland e.V.), Tibet Initiative Deutschland, the Society for Threatened Peoples (Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker), together with members of the Uyghur and Hong Kong communities, held a peaceful protest outside the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Berlin on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, marking the day China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress officially entered into force.
The demonstration was organised to express opposition to the new legislation, which participants described as a legal instrument that strengthens state control over ethnic minorities while accelerating policies of forced assimilation. Protesters argued that the law threatens the cultural, linguistic, religious, and historical identities of Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, and other ethnic communities living under Chinese rule.
Addressing the gathering, Dundup Donka, President of the Tibetan Community in Germany, stated that the legislation represents a serious violation of internationally recognised human rights principles. He said the law should not be viewed as a measure promoting ethnic unity, but rather as a mechanism designed to institutionalise assimilation policies and further restrict the fundamental rights and freedoms of minority peoples. He warned that its implementation could contribute to the continued erosion of minority languages, cultures, traditions, and religious practices.
Speakers representing the Uyghur and Hong Kong communities also voiced concern over the implications of the legislation, stating that it further consolidates state authority over ethnic and cultural expression while limiting the ability of minority communities to preserve their distinct identities.
During the demonstration, participants called upon the Federal Government of Germany, the European Union, the United Nations, and the international human rights community to take a clear and principled position regarding the new law. They urged democratic governments and international institutions to intensify diplomatic engagement with the People’s Republic of China, advocate for the protection of ethnic minority rights, and call for the repeal of legislation that, in their view, undermines internationally recognised human rights standards.
The organisers further appealed to the international community not to remain silent in the face of ongoing human rights concerns affecting Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Southern Mongolians, and other ethnic minorities. They stressed the importance of sustained international attention and accountability to safeguard the rights to cultural identity, religious freedom, linguistic diversity, and self-expression.
